Android Merges with Chrome as Android Chief Andy Rubin Steps Down

Google has announced that Andy Rubin will be stepping down as head of Android. His duties will be merged into those of Sundar Pichai, who is currently senior VP of Chrome and Apps.

Google CEO, Larry Page, made the announcement on the Google blog, and credited Rubin for evangelizing Android several years ago and building it into a free, open-source platform that now dominates the smartphone industry.

Page wrote:

"Having exceeded even the crazy ambitious goals we dreamed of for Android - and with a really strong leadership team in place - Andy's decided it's time to hand over the reins and start a new chapter at Google. Andy, more moonshots please!"

On Pichai taking over from Rubin, Page wrote that Pichai "has a talent for creating products that are technically excellent yet easy to use - and he loves a big bet."